Some critics say Jones steals the film although Daniel Day-Lewis' performance is also convincing, while some others gush that the movie is one of Spielberg's best works.

Steven Spielberg's highly-anticipated drama "Lincoln" was premiered at a secret screening as part of the 2012 New York Film Festival on Monday, October 8. As many had predicted, the film successfully wowed the audience and while Daniel Day-Lewis' performance as Abraham Lincoln was praised, it was Tommy Lee Jones who stole critics' attention.

Whoopi Goldberg gushed, "I have just seen the MOST exteoadenary [sic] film directed by Stephen Speilberg & it's called Lincoln. w/ Daniel Day Lewis who will make u forget Anyother actor you've ever seen do Lincoln. It's beyond AMAZing. Tommy Lee Jones is flawless."

She continued, "This is a film the likes of which hasn't Been seen in many years on screen. You must if you believe in the greatness of America and in all America has to offer we the people. You will want to see this. Republican, Democrats Independents ALL WILL BE PROUD.You have never seen the likes of this film and may not again."

Matt Patches, movies editor at Hollywood.com, stated, "Lincoln is heavy on the politics. But I loved all the behind-the-curtain government stuff. Kushner's playwright roots all over it. Tommy Lee Jones is pretty great in Lincoln. Amazing that the ensemble can stand out against Day-Lewis."

Other critics also said that "Lincoln" marked one of the best Spielberg films. Devin Fuller wrote, "Lincoln is perhaps one of Spielberg's more understated films (some will probably call it boring). I liked Lincoln more than I thought I would. So take that as a recommendation." Vulture's Bilge Ebiri added, "Spielberg's LINCOLN is the best film Roberto Rossellini never made. Also one of the best Spielberg did make."

The Hollywood Reporter's awards analyst, Scott Feinberg, also had good words for the movie. Saying the pic "appears to be Oscar-bait incarnate," Feinvberg gushed, "Although the film runs two hours and 40 minutes, every scene felt tight and necessary, undoubtedly in large part because Pultizer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner penned its script, drawing from a small portion of Doris Kearns Goodwin's historical study Team of Rivals."

"Lincoln" focuses on Abe's tumultuous final months in office. In a nation divided by war and the strong winds of change, he pursues a course of action designed to end the war, unite the country and abolish slavery. The movie is slated for a November 9 release in the United States.